Rochelle, IL Celebrates the Expansion of Its Intermodal Transload Center

City of Rochelle, IL Expands Its Intermodal Transload Center

On August 14, 2025, notable representatives from the City of Rochelle, Illinois came together with state transportation officials, local economic stakeholders, and partners from the railroad and trucking industries to commemorate the expansion of the Rochelle Intermodal Transload Center (RITC). This facility, strategically located at the junction of Interstate Highways 88 and 39, as well as Class I railroads managed by BNSF and Union Pacific, serves a critical role in providing intermodal access to businesses by making rail services available even to those without direct rail connections.

Since its inception in 2020, the RITC has successfully transloaded approximately one thousand railcars, facilitating shipping operations for dozens of clients. The extraordinary surge in demand for rail-to-truck transloading and third-party logistics within the Rochelle region has driven this expansion project.

Mayor John Bearrows articulated the significance of this development, stating, "The expansion of the Rochelle Intermodal Transload Center signifies our city's unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity. We take pride in being a hub where businesses of all scales can flourish, and this initiative highlights our ongoing investment in Rochelle's future as a vital logistics and transportation center for the Midwest."

City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how strategic infrastructure investments can create opportunities for local enterprises as well as contribute to global supply chains: "The rapid success of the RITC clearly demonstrates how essential infrastructure can unlock economic potential. We look forward to nurturing this expansion, dedicating our resources towards helping companies transport goods reliably and efficiently through Rochelle. We also appreciate the support from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the funding made available through the rail freight program for these vital infrastructure enhancements."

Peter Hoth, Principal of Corporate Development at BJRY, affirmed the excitement surrounding future growth in Rochelle and its advantages for the community and local businesses. BJRY, which has offered innovative rail switching solutions since 1985, looks forward to continuing its collaborative efforts with customers and Class I railroad partners as an integral part of Rochelle’s development.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi further highlighted the importance of this expansion, declaring, "This project not only promises enhanced economic potential for Rochelle but also becomes a key asset in facilitating freight movement across Illinois, a crucial transportation hub within North America. With help from our Illinois Competitive Freight Program, we can increase safety and reliability in supply chains, thereby boosting commerce at the community level."

About the City of Rochelle

Rochelle's history as a transportation nexus dates back to the 1850s, coinciding with the establishment of two major western transcontinental railroads. Its advantageous location—situated at the crossroads of the I-39 Distribution Corridor and the I-88 Research and Development Corridor—positions Rochelle within a day’s truck journey from markets that satisfy over eighty million people. The city features four interstate interchanges within a few miles of its boundaries and boasts advanced communication and utility infrastructure that provides strategic advantages to businesses.

About the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

The IDOT’s commitment is to guarantee that travel is achieved in the most convenient and cost-efficient manner possible while maintaining safety and meeting diverse transportation trends and demands. They continuously strive to bolster, maintain, and expand the Illinois statewide transportation network.

About BJRY

Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY), operational since 1985, offers flexible and dependable rail services across a wide variety of commodities, while specializing in young services such as rail switching and transloading. To explore their services, visit www.bjryrail.com.